The annual Walkathon is an all-school event that supports professional development for our faculty and staff during the summer and throughout the year. Our teachers have benefited from programs focused on all academic disciplines, social emotional learning, making, diversity, equity, and inclusion, the arts, technology and education, and more.

Hear what our faculty and staff have to say about the impact of professional development opportunities.

"Went to teacher training at Island School in August 2018 and now I am back with 14 students and a fellow teacher to share the magic alongside of them. Truly amazing. I never would have had the confidence to bring students on this trip if I hadn’t done the summer PD by myself first. The Island School focuses on conservation, sustainability, supporting underserved communities, and challenging their own growth."-Annie Makela, Director of the Scott Center for Social Entrepreneurship

"Professional development has been instrumental in my growth as a teacher. I created the photography elective about 20 years ago. At that point I was an experienced photographer with a solid understanding of traditional darkroom techniques but had no experience with digital photography. It was through the Hillbrook professional development that allowed me to take a couple of week long Photoshop classes that propelled the photo class to where it is today." -Greg Stamos, 6th-8th Art and Electives Teacher

"I often am the most innovative when at conferences and workshops; these inspired spaces give me the opportunity to absorb new information as well as reflect on my practice. I always return to campus refreshed and inspired, ready to put my new knowledge into action." -Alex Brocchini, Former Resident Teacher - Middle School Humanities

Walkathon FAQ's

List of 16 frequently asked questions.

The Walkathon is an annual event hosted by the Hillbrook School Parent Council (HSPC). The event's primary purpose is to help fund valuable teacher and staff professional development and learning. All parents, students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to join this event.

Hillbrook believes that investments in leading-edge teaching are critical components of a healthy school. It is widely known that teachers matter more to student achievement than any other aspect of schooling.

This year’s walkathon will be held on Friday, May 1 with the following schedule of activities:

12:00 PM: School-wide BBQ lunch and student bands play. (All students will receive lunch. BBQ lunch is available for purchase for $8/person for family members and friends who wish to enjoy with students.)

12:30 PM: Opening ceremonies

12:40 PM: Walking begins and bands play

2:15 PM: Closing ceremonies

Students will return to their classrooms and normal dismissal times will be in effect.

If you plan on taking your children home with you immediately following the Walkathon (and before regular carpool begins), please let your child/ren's teacher know or fill out the Weekly Afterschool Transportation Schedule.

Yes. parents are asked to use the convenient shuttle service to and from Hillbrook. As with all events on campus, parking is not permitted in the surrounding neighborhood. The shuttle will run throughout the event, from 11:30 AM to 3 PM. At the end of the school day, children may ride the shuttle back to the designated shuttle spot with their parents.

Shuttle Stop and Parking Location:

TBD

Please park on the Shannon Road side of the parking lot. Proceed to the front half-circle drive where shuttles will be picking up and dropping off.

Yes, tax receipts will be provided for all identified donors over $20. Matching funds can also be applied for and would be greatly appreciated. Hillbrook is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Our tax ID is 94-0382325.

The Walkathon is held on a free dress day. All students will also receive a t-shirt that day to wear throughout the walk. We recommend P.E. shorts and comfortable walking shoes for all of our walkers. There is a potential for the children's white Walkathon t-shirts to get wet during the event, so they may opt to wear a tank top or swim suit top underneath their shirt.

Absolutely! All family and friends are invited to support this event. We ask that all use the shuttle service to get to and from campus. You can also sign up to volunteer and/or pay to attend the luncheon through our online registration system.

Parents, grandparents or special friends can all volunteer, we appreciate your help! Volunteers enjoy the event by overseeing water stations, barbecuing, counting laps, distributing feet, and more. You can sign up to volunteer by contacting the event organizers or going to the Walkathon Volunteer Sign-up form here. All volunteers receive a commemorative t-shirt as a thank-you for participating!

Yes. Family members and friends are invited to join the school-wide BBQ at noon prior to the opening ceremonies for a nominal fee of $8/person. You may purchase your tickets for the BBQ online in April. Please order your lunch by Friday, April 24 so that we can plan food accordingly.